Bishop’s Falls, Newfoundland and Labrador: History, Things to Do and Travel Guide
Bishop’s Falls is an Exploits River town in central Newfoundland and Labrador’s Central region. It is a river, railway and mill town where the Newfoundland T’Railway trestle, Fallsview Park, river access and local recreation spaces make the community more than a quick stop near Grand Falls-Windsor.
The town is compact, but the landscape is dramatic. Water, falls, rail grades, old mill sites and river crossings all explain why Bishop’s Falls grew where it did.
How Bishop’s Falls Started
The town traces its name to Bishop John Inglis, Anglican Bishop of Nova Scotia and Newfoundland, who visited the Exploits River area in 1827. The town’s history notes describe the waterfall he saw inland from Exploits Island, after which the place became known as Bishop’s Falls.
Permanent growth came later. Railway crews attempted to bridge the Exploits River in 1893, and a successful trestle crossing was completed in 1900-01. The groundwood pulp mill, surveyed in 1908 and opened in 1911, then shaped the townsite, employment and river power story. Logging, rail links, the mill pipeline to Grand Falls and hydro-electric use of the falls all made Bishop’s Falls a working central Newfoundland town.
What Bishop’s Falls Is Like Today
Bishop’s Falls has about 3,000 residents and remains closely tied to the river. The town owns and operates several recreation and tourism assets, from lookouts and parks to boat launches, playgrounds, sports fields and walking areas.
The old industrial story is still visible in the way the town faces the water. Today’s visitor experience is quieter: riverside views, T’Railway use, local parks, canoe and kayak access, camping, and a practical Main Street with municipal services.
It is also a useful central Newfoundland pause for travellers who want a short outdoor stop without leaving the main regional road network for long.
Things to Do and Places Nearby
The Bishop’s Falls Trestle is the signature stop. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador describes it as a main connection on the Newfoundland T’Railway and notes that it spans more than 900 feet across the Exploits River. It is one of the town’s clearest links between rail history and current trail tourism.
Fallsview Lookout gives views over the Exploits River, while Fallsview Park offers riverside camping and a boat launch. Trestleview Park includes a boardwalk, gazebos, hammocks in season and a kayak or canoe launch. The Faulkner Recreation Complex and Memorial Family Park round out the local outdoor options.
Quick Facts
- Province: Newfoundland and Labrador
- Region: Central
- Community type: town
- Population: about 3,000 residents
- Main setting: Exploits River and Newfoundland T’Railway corridor
- Good for: trestle views, river parks, paddling access, camping and central Newfoundland travel
Travel Notes
Bishop’s Falls is easiest by car, with local stops spread along Main Street, the river and the trail corridor. Check park, camping and boat-launch details before arrival. The trestle is exposed to wind and weather, so dress for conditions even on short walks.
Early mornings and evenings usually give the best light on the river.